STEM News – September 2015
Hello!
I hope you’ve had a great summer holiday and you’re ready for the new term.
After a successful year with nearly 1000 STEM activities in the region, I’m looking forward to working with you again
and helping you to inspire your students. We have plenty of volunteers ready to support careers events, STEM
workshops and STEM clubs.
In this newsletter we will introduce you to our STEM highlights and opportunities coming up soon. Please do pass this
on to anyone you think would be interested.
If you would like to discuss anything on the newsletter, a STEM activity you’re planning or STEM enrichment more
generally in your school, I’d be happy to come in for a chat so do get in touch.
Best wishes,
Ellie
STEM News – September 2015
Bristol, Bath and Somerset STEM Celebration 2015
Join us at our annual celebration of the inspiring work done by STEM Ambassadors and teachers across Bristol, Bath
& Somerset
Our STEM Celebration is a chance to showcase and reward some of the greatest STEM goings-on from all across our
region. Join us at Bristol Zoo on the evening of the 30th September to find out what people have been up to in STEM
and get to know some of the most dedicated and enthusiastic STEM Ambassadors and teachers around.
To get hold of your free ticket, visit https://bbs-stem-awards.eventbrite.co.uk/
New! STEM Engagement Badge
To reward the hard work local teachers do to promote STEM at school, we are launching a new STEM Engagement
Badge! For schools that engage regularly (3 times or more) with STEM Ambassadors over the school year we will
present you with a certificate for you to display in school. This will help you to highlight your school’s commitment to
STEM. Get in touch to see how you can guarantee your STEM Engagement Badge for the 2015/16 academic year.
The Six Week STEM Club Challenge
Looking to start a STEM Club but don’t know where to start? Got a STEM club running but need more ideas for
activities? This term we are launching our Six Week STEM Club Challenge: ready-made challenges that will present
you with the chance to build and run an exciting and engaging STEM club for just six weeks. Get in touch to request
your free challenge pack from us, full of all sorts of useful hints and tips, as well a bunch of resources for the
challenge. And while we are on the topic of STEM clubs why not put STEM Clubs Week in your diary, 1 st-5th February
2016, a chance to celebrate everything STEM club related!
Film Industry Careers Support
Are your students interested in working in the film industry? Into Film is a charity working with young people to
highlight careers in film. There are plenty of online resources to download at http://www.intofilm.org/schoolsresources. We have also been given the opportunity for schools to host a free, assembly-style session (approx. 1
hour) from Into Film, showcasing careers in VFX (visual effects) and demonstrating how STEM qualifications can lead
to careers in creative industries. There are only a few slots left between 21 st – 23rd September so if you’re interested
please get in touch with some possible timings as soon as possible.
I’m a Scientist Get Me Out Of Here!
I’m A Scientist Get Me Out Of Here! will return this November (10th–21st), with students taking part in moderated web
chats with real scientists. Scientists are grouped in different “zones” you can sign up your students to chat about
topics relevant to their interests or what they’re studying. For the next round, teachers should register to take part
before 20th September at http://imascientist.org.uk/2015/09/november-2015-zones
I’m A Scientist Get Me Out Of Here will return again in the spring (7th–18th March 2015) and summer (13th–24th June
2015).
I'm an Engineer Get Me Out Of Here!
If you’d prefer an engineering themed activity – the dates above also apply to this event where students can talk to
real engineers via moderated web chats. More information on the different engineering zones:
http://imanengineer.org.uk/2015/09/november-2015-zones
Airbus Science Teacher Conference, 26 th November 2015, 8.45-3.45pm
Calling all science teachers! Airbus are running a CPD session at their site in Filton, Bristol where you can go behind
the scenes of the aerospace industry. Find out about curriculum applications, get resources for use back at school and
get information about careers opportunities for your students. Places are free and Airbus will also be able to pay for
one day’s cover for you at school. Deadline for registration is 9th October 2015. More info here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/airbus-science-teacher-workshop-registration-18454126790
Pixar in a Box
Pixar Animation Studios have created some school resources to show how Pixar’s animators use key concepts in
maths and science to create their films. There are different topics to choose from with lessons to suit different age
groups. These are brand new resources so let us know what you think if you use them!
https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar
World Space Week is 4th–10th October 2015
Are you looking for activities for World Space Week to inspire your students about space exploration? Then check out
the resources developed based around British astronaut Major Timothy Peake, who is due to launch to the
International Space Station in November. These resources are for use in lessons and STEM Clubs. To find out more
go to http://www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/timpeake or get in touch for a brochure of space-related resources inspired
by the mission.
Conference for Young Scientists
The Young Scientists Journal is the world’s only peer reviewed science journal, written and edited by young scientists.
The Young Scientists Journal Annual Conference brings together young scientists (aged 14-18) to meet, discuss their
work and learn from others involved in research. It is a free event, being held on the 14 th October at The King’s School
in Canterbury, Kent. For more information visit: http://events.ysjournal.com/.
STEM Activity Feedback
With so many STEM activities happening across the region, we’d love to hear from you about your experiences of
working with our volunteers. Click here to tell us about your STEM Ambassador event.
Keep in touch!
Ellie
Ellie Cripps
STEM Coordinator, Bristol & Bath
Graphic Science
 +44 (0) 1275 47 49 48
 +44 (0) 7443 578 076
 ellie@graphicscience.co.uk
 www.graphicscience.co.uk/stem
Twitter: @AmbassadorsGS